Innovative Navigation Systems to Support Digital Geophysical Mapping
Abstract
Unexploded ordnance (UXO) poses a threat to human life and to the environment. Millions of UXO may be located in the United States on active test and training ranges and formerly used defense sites (FUDS). Essentially, all project investigations addressing UXO involve the use of digital geophysical mapping (DGM). A major requirement with use of DGM is accurate navigation for sensor position, which becomes especially problematic with ground vegetation and tree canopies. Accurate, inexpensive, and easy-to-use navigation systems with consistent quality are needed for surveys in all terrain and vegetation cover. Navigation accuracy is critical in acquiring the DGM data required for anomaly discrimination. The primary objective of this project is to demonstrate and compare multiple navigation systems to support DGM. Phase I demonstrations were performed to demonstrate navigation capabilities without geophysical sensors. In Phase II, promising systems are developed and integrated with geophysical equipment. Phase I demonstrations include eight navigation systems. The benchmark system for comparison is a typical $250 Garmin global positioning system (GPS) III handheld. The handheld unit was easy to use, readily available, inexpensive, and much more accurate than expected. Although ill-suited for direct usage to support geophysical mapping navigation, it did provide a navigation performance benchmark as a less accurate but inexpensive approach. This paper addresses the Phase I demonstration performed during October and November 2001 for concept study, presentation, and demonstration for navigation equipment. Future Phase II efforts planned for late 2002-2003 and Phase III efforts planned for 2003-2004 will develop and demonstrate the technologies integrated with typical geophysical equipment such as the electromagnetic (EM)-61 series and G-858 magnetometer sensors, with development towards commercial, integrated system approaches.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA603723
Entities
Organizations
- Environmental Security Technology Certification Program